The Metropolis Sequencer is uber cool. Inspired by the Ryk M-185 (a Roland System 100m sequencer)
Each stage has slides and a pulse count in the range 1-8. It should provide very interesting results.
The Luna Modular VC 303 bass synth is according to the manufacturer (Somatic Circuits) an exact clone
of the TB 303 minus the sequencer.
I don't think it sounds exactly like a 303 (due probably to the same rare componentry issues
x0xb0x and other 303 cloners owners face), but I still reckon it sounds great, especially the filter. It's very flexible and anyway, do we really want another 303 clone??? I think it's better if each manufacturer finds a way to add their own new flavours to that acid bass line we all love.
The nice thing about the VC 303 is that you can plug external oscillators in or use a different filter.
The Doepfer A-143-2 Quad ADSR is a useful addition for the metropolis, as is a LFO (Doepfer A-145)
Paired with the Intellijel Metropolis there are so many possibilities.
Showing posts with label Eurorack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eurorack. Show all posts
Saturday, 8 August 2015
Wednesday, 5 August 2015
ADSR 312 - NLC Build notes
The Nonlinearcircuits ADSR312 module is based on the Aires 312 envelope generator.
Aires was a Massachusetts based synth manufacturer from the 1970s & early 80s.
They produced many of their modules in kit form as well as pre-assembled systems such as the Aries 300.
There are no CMOS chips or op-anps in this circuit, and only 4 components are SMD.
First the 100K SMDs
Diodes & Caps.
Transistors:
Next insert the pots & jacks. I usually attach the jacks to the faceplate & then solder.
Don't forget to solder the ground lugs of the 3.5mm jacks
Almost there.
The LED needs to be mounted.
My LED isn't super bright so I'm using a 330R resistor
You're Done :-)
Links:
1. NLC blog
2. NLC build notes
3. Vintage synth Aires 300 modular
4. Muff Wiggler - Aires Modules
5. NLC - more Schematics, BOM, build notes
6. ModularSynthesis.com - Aires AR-312 EG restoration
7. ModularSynthesis.com - General Airies Module restoration
8. Modular Synthesis.com - PDF - AR 312 schematics, pics, etc
9. Switched On video - A Hybrid Digisound & Aries Modular Synthesizer
10. Muffs & more
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
Aires was a Massachusetts based synth manufacturer from the 1970s & early 80s.
They produced many of their modules in kit form as well as pre-assembled systems such as the Aries 300.
There are no CMOS chips or op-anps in this circuit, and only 4 components are SMD.
First the 100K SMDs
Diodes & Caps.
Transistors:
Next insert the pots & jacks. I usually attach the jacks to the faceplate & then solder.
Don't forget to solder the ground lugs of the 3.5mm jacks
Almost there.
The LED needs to be mounted.
My LED isn't super bright so I'm using a 330R resistor
You're Done :-)
Links:
1. NLC blog
2. NLC build notes
3. Vintage synth Aires 300 modular
4. Muff Wiggler - Aires Modules
5. NLC - more Schematics, BOM, build notes
6. ModularSynthesis.com - Aires AR-312 EG restoration
7. ModularSynthesis.com - General Airies Module restoration
8. Modular Synthesis.com - PDF - AR 312 schematics, pics, etc
9. Switched On video - A Hybrid Digisound & Aries Modular Synthesizer
10. Muffs & more
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
Wednesday, 29 July 2015
NLC - Buchla Style - Low Pass Gate (LPG) Build notes.
These are the build notes for the NLC (NonLinearCircuits) version of one of the classic filters of all time: the Buchla 292.
The 292 configuration consisted of 4 filters with CV control & a 3 pole toggle switch for each filter.
The toggle switch allowed you to alternate between 3 modes: LowPass, Combination & Gate.
Gate is Buchla's name for a VCA.
Buchla still produce this filter in two forms: The 292h & the 292e (which goes by the grand title of "Quad Dynamics Manager").
Here are some pics of the virgin NonLinearCircuit PCB & panel:
Andrew's build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/WAMOD4%20lpg.pdf
\\
Useful Links:
1. CGS - Ken Stone's LPG
2. Buchla Tech - Verbos's excellent blog - 292c Secrets with schematics
3. Synth.NL.Blog - 292 5U build notes
4. Modular Synthesis - Build notes for Thomas White's LPG clone.
5. Doepfer A-101-2 LPG filter
6. Natural Rhythm Music - Thomas White
The LPF filter design is a variation of the Sallen Key. Ever since professors R.P. Sallen and E.L. Key described it in 1955, the Sallen-Key low-pass filter has become one of the most widely used filters in electronic systems.
It's another form of what is known as a voltage-controlled voltage-source (VCVS) filter used to
implement a 2-pole (12 dB/octave) response.
Most VCVS use unity-gain operational amplifiers where the output voltage is the same as the input voltage.... At first glance this seems useless but the advantage is that they don't take current from the input source.
The input & output sides are in effect isolated.
The controlling element for frequency (in LP mode) and amplitude (in VCA mode) is the vactrol.
Basically a LED & photoresistor packaged in a light tight box. I reckon this is a really neat way to get voltage control over a variable resistor.
Andrew suggests experimenting with different types of vactrols. He has been using Silonex with good results. The NLC PCB is designed for a dual vactrol. Some of my earlier Buchla builds (eg the 208) use dual vactrols like the VTL5C3/2, and I have a few spare. So I'll probably use these first. Dual vactrols are actually two photo-resistors and a LED in the one package ....which is perfect as they sit in where R1 & R2 go. I might later experiment by using two single vactrols or even make my own vactrols if I feel like the challenge. There are lots of ways to tinker with this beautiful circuit.
Install IC headers & the Euro power connector first.
Then resistors & caps.
These 2 resistors (marked with and asterix) can be altered to suit your taste.
The caps marked 472 & 221 are 4.7nF & 220pF respectively..
The 33k can be varied up to 51K .... It sets the Cv level.
I left it at 33k.
The 10K sets the gain of the output signal.
The switch must be mounted as close as possible to the PCB & watch the orientation (it's up/down, not left/right).
Sounds quite good ..esp the LP filter.
I reckon varying the CV level resistor is a good idea. The frequency pot is very responsive at the upper levels (8-10) , but volume drops away quite quickly below this.
I experimented with audio(log) vs linear pots and think a log frequency pot sounds better. (just my humble opinion).
I'll probably change that resistor to 51k.
It's done for now.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
The toggle switch allowed you to alternate between 3 modes: LowPass, Combination & Gate.
Gate is Buchla's name for a VCA.
Buchla still produce this filter in two forms: The 292h & the 292e (which goes by the grand title of "Quad Dynamics Manager").
The 292e is the centre module. Notice that the toggle switches have been replaced with buttons.
It has also gained velocity control & preset storage but is mostly the same as the earlier 292.
It has also gained velocity control & preset storage but is mostly the same as the earlier 292.
Here are some pics of the virgin NonLinearCircuit PCB & panel:
Andrew's build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/WAMOD4%20lpg.pdf
\\
Useful Links:
1. CGS - Ken Stone's LPG
2. Buchla Tech - Verbos's excellent blog - 292c Secrets with schematics
3. Synth.NL.Blog - 292 5U build notes
4. Modular Synthesis - Build notes for Thomas White's LPG clone.
5. Doepfer A-101-2 LPG filter
6. Natural Rhythm Music - Thomas White
The LPF filter design is a variation of the Sallen Key. Ever since professors R.P. Sallen and E.L. Key described it in 1955, the Sallen-Key low-pass filter has become one of the most widely used filters in electronic systems.
It's another form of what is known as a voltage-controlled voltage-source (VCVS) filter used to
implement a 2-pole (12 dB/octave) response.
Most VCVS use unity-gain operational amplifiers where the output voltage is the same as the input voltage.... At first glance this seems useless but the advantage is that they don't take current from the input source.
The input & output sides are in effect isolated.
The controlling element for frequency (in LP mode) and amplitude (in VCA mode) is the vactrol.
Basically a LED & photoresistor packaged in a light tight box. I reckon this is a really neat way to get voltage control over a variable resistor.
Andrew suggests experimenting with different types of vactrols. He has been using Silonex with good results. The NLC PCB is designed for a dual vactrol. Some of my earlier Buchla builds (eg the 208) use dual vactrols like the VTL5C3/2, and I have a few spare. So I'll probably use these first. Dual vactrols are actually two photo-resistors and a LED in the one package ....which is perfect as they sit in where R1 & R2 go. I might later experiment by using two single vactrols or even make my own vactrols if I feel like the challenge. There are lots of ways to tinker with this beautiful circuit.
Install IC headers & the Euro power connector first.
Then resistors & caps.
These 2 resistors (marked with and asterix) can be altered to suit your taste.
The caps marked 472 & 221 are 4.7nF & 220pF respectively..
I think MCCs (monolithic ceramic caps) are fine, others might insist on polys.
The 33k can be varied up to 51K .... It sets the Cv level.
I left it at 33k.
The 10K sets the gain of the output signal.
The switch must be mounted as close as possible to the PCB & watch the orientation (it's up/down, not left/right).
Sounds quite good ..esp the LP filter.
I reckon varying the CV level resistor is a good idea. The frequency pot is very responsive at the upper levels (8-10) , but volume drops away quite quickly below this.
I experimented with audio(log) vs linear pots and think a log frequency pot sounds better. (just my humble opinion).
I'll probably change that resistor to 51k.
It's done for now.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
New Sound Waves - Sunday 12th July Meeting
I had the best Sunday ever.
Lot's of synths and good friends.
Above is a Buchla 200/ 200e - Thanks Paul.
Monome + Euro = :-)
New Sound Waves live at 107 Projects,
Redfern St, Redfern. Sydney, Australia.
We all got to see the new Roland AIRA Eurorack gear, thanks to Christian Moraga and Roland Australia.
Lot's of synths and good friends.
Above is a Buchla 200/ 200e - Thanks Paul.
Monome + Euro = :-)
New Sound Waves live at 107 Projects,
Redfern St, Redfern. Sydney, Australia.
We all got to see the new Roland AIRA Eurorack gear, thanks to Christian Moraga and Roland Australia.
These meetings are held every 2 months (on average). Subscribe to the NSWaves blog for more details:
Saturday, 4 July 2015
Dinsync 303 acid remix - deep house style
The original video, pics, for this remix can be seen here:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/dinsync-303-acid.html
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/dinsync-303-acid.html
Wednesday, 1 July 2015
NLC JerkOff - Chaos Module - Build notes
This is a really cool chaos module & is super easy to build. It uses chaotic oscillators based around Jerk Equations. It's a excellent source of CVs - for modulating & controlling filters, VCOs, mixing with envelopes, etc etc
Andrew's build notes for the single Jerkoff module are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/single%20JERKOFF.pdf
Build notes for the double JerkOff are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/DOUBLE%20JERKOFF.pdf
WAMOD - More Notes
Much of the original research & design was done by J. Sprott of the University of Michigan.
You can read his paper (in PDF format) here:
http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/pubs/paper352.pdf
The circuit consists of two feedback loops. The first involving 3 integrators.
The second uses two integrators and a inverter/diode. (Intergrator's are common to analog computers)
I understand this is described as a chaotic phase-shift oscillator ... consisting of an inverting amplifier (the 741 opamp??) with its output fed back to its input through a phase-shift network consisting of resistors and capacitors.
Here are some pics of the NonLinearCircuit PCB:
Headers first:. Resistors & caps next
Andrew has left this module open to lots of experimentation. Above are the marked caps & resistors.
Time to install the LEDs.
I've placed these on the front panel. These LEDs are the superbright variety though I'm not sure of their exact forward voltage or current so I'm experimenting a bit ....using a 10k resistor for now.
(The LED resistor is marked as RL on the PCB)
Testing the initial build.
LEDs seem to be working.... haven't burnt out yet. :-)
Useful Links
1. Chaos Theory & Jerk Circuits
2. Mongol/Jerkoff - Youtube Video
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
Andrew's build notes for the single Jerkoff module are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/single%20JERKOFF.pdf
Build notes for the double JerkOff are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/DOUBLE%20JERKOFF.pdf
WAMOD - More Notes
Much of the original research & design was done by J. Sprott of the University of Michigan.
You can read his paper (in PDF format) here:
http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/pubs/paper352.pdf
The second uses two integrators and a inverter/diode. (Intergrator's are common to analog computers)
I understand this is described as a chaotic phase-shift oscillator ... consisting of an inverting amplifier (the 741 opamp??) with its output fed back to its input through a phase-shift network consisting of resistors and capacitors.
Here are some pics of the NonLinearCircuit PCB:
The circuit has 3 outputs: X, Y, Z and 1 input ‘in’.
Feeding it gates or triggers should get the output signals to sync with other modules.
Feeding it gates or triggers should get the output signals to sync with other modules.
Andrew has left this module open to lots of experimentation. Above are the marked caps & resistors.
The rest of the component values are very much up to you to pick. I've decided to use 100K B pots.
It's recommended to use resistors with half the value of the pots.... thus 47K ohms are the closest.
These 3 caps are the ones you choose to set the base frequency. I've picked 1uF.
The rest of the caps are for decoupling. There are 4 of these. ....any value between 10nf & 100nf is fine. I've used 47nF.
The pots are all 100k Linear.
Time to install the LEDs.
I've placed these on the front panel. These LEDs are the superbright variety though I'm not sure of their exact forward voltage or current so I'm experimenting a bit ....using a 10k resistor for now.
(The LED resistor is marked as RL on the PCB)
Testing the initial build.
LEDs seem to be working.... haven't burnt out yet. :-)
Decided to leave the LEDs where they are for now. Should have cut the legs longer.
Useful Links
1. Chaos Theory & Jerk Circuits
2. Mongol/Jerkoff - Youtube Video
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
555 Resonator Build Notes - NLC (NonLinearCircuits)
This is one of my favourite NLC circuits.
It's very versatile. It can be used as a filter, a VCO, a voltage controlled noise source and a voltage controlled drone module.
The module will oscillate without input (depending on the pot settings).
I like inputting a signal from a VCO which will trigger each 555 IC to create pulses.
These pulses can be manipulated with CV to create complex waveforms.
Andrew's manual for the 555 can be found here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/FILTER%20panel%20manual.pdf
And his official build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/Its%20555%20build%20notes.pdf
I have a version of this module in Serge/Banana format.
This build however is for a Eurorack Format module.
First, some pics of the virgin panel & PCB before we begin.
The module takes it's name from the 555 timer IC. This integrated circuit is used in a variety of timer, pulse generation, and oscillator applications. It's a very common IC and is cheap as chips.
The standard 555 package includes 25 transistors, 2 diodes and 15 resistors on a silicon chip installed in an 8-pin mini dual-in-line package (DIP-8) .
There are plenty of great videos on this versitile chip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn5-XiB8oJk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stN-ZzHfiO4
Andrew's module uses 5 of these 555s. If I understand Andrew's schemos correctly,
each is part of an individual one shot circuit (also known as a Monostable Multivibrator).
Pin 1 is grounded.
Pin 2 - The trigger input.(connected to C5 - 1nf cap)
Pin 3 - Output.
Pin 4 - usually connected to + VCC to avoid accidental reset.
Pin 5 - grounded through a capacitor (c3 - 10nF?) to avoid noise problems. (This is the decoupling cap?).
Pin 6 - (threshold) is shorted to pin 7 - both are connected to ground via C6 (10nF cap).
Pin 7 - connected to the pin 6 & the discharge capacitor (not shown in the above schemo) - C6
C6's discharge time determines the pulse width.
Pin 8 - connected to the supply VCC.
The output of the 555-Monostable Multivibrator/oneshot remains low until a trigger pulse is applied to pin 2.
It's probably a good idea to install the headers for these ICs along with the other 3 ICs and power connector first.
The other integrated circuits used in this build are two TL072s & one TL074.
The TL07x series are pretty common Op Amps that you will often find in synthesizers.
The TL 072 is a low noise JFET input Op Amp .....commonly used in filters & audio preamps.
The TL074 is a quad Op Amp.
Each of these 4 operational amplifiers incorporates well matched, high-voltage JFET and bipolar transistors. Each op amp has 1 output & 2 inputs (inverting & non-inverting). Voltage is on pins 4 & 11.
But before I install all these, I'll install the resistors, then caps & trannies
The easy ones first.
Now it's time to install the 'cp' caps & decoupling caps.
The cp caps & trannies form VC resistors that control the pulse width of the signal from each 555. Andrew has suggested starting with 10nF caps and then experimenting with different values.
Next the decoupling capacitors. As their name implies, they decouple or separate one part of a circuit from another. 555 ICs can be very noisy and these caps absorb some of the noise, reducing the effect one part has on another. There are 15 of these caps.
Andrew has suggested values between 47nF & 100nf. He says that the exact value won't make any difference. Use whatever fits and you have a lot of. "The main point is the 555s have plenty of decoupling, hence the 10uF as they virtually short +V to gnd as they do their thing".
Next, the transistors. These include ten BC 547 & ten BC557.
The BC 547 is a NPN transistor.
The BC 557 is a PNP. The cp capacitors and the transistors form VC resistors that control the pulse width of the signal from each 555.
Install the pots:
And the jacks.
Initial jack connections: Blue = Ground, Black = Out, Brown = In.
Test to see how it sounds as a filter by plugging in a sound source (eg: your Dual VCO).
Now connect the rest of the jacks.
Wow ... looks and sounds great !!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Useful Links:
1. NLC filter panel
2. NLC notes (5 more)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
It's very versatile. It can be used as a filter, a VCO, a voltage controlled noise source and a voltage controlled drone module.
The module will oscillate without input (depending on the pot settings).
I like inputting a signal from a VCO which will trigger each 555 IC to create pulses.
These pulses can be manipulated with CV to create complex waveforms.
Andrew's manual for the 555 can be found here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/FILTER%20panel%20manual.pdf
And his official build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/Its%20555%20build%20notes.pdf
I have a version of this module in Serge/Banana format.
This build however is for a Eurorack Format module.
First, some pics of the virgin panel & PCB before we begin.
The module takes it's name from the 555 timer IC. This integrated circuit is used in a variety of timer, pulse generation, and oscillator applications. It's a very common IC and is cheap as chips.
The standard 555 package includes 25 transistors, 2 diodes and 15 resistors on a silicon chip installed in an 8-pin mini dual-in-line package (DIP-8) .
There are plenty of great videos on this versitile chip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn5-XiB8oJk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stN-ZzHfiO4
Andrew's module uses 5 of these 555s. If I understand Andrew's schemos correctly,
each is part of an individual one shot circuit (also known as a Monostable Multivibrator).
Pin 1 is grounded.
Pin 2 - The trigger input.(connected to C5 - 1nf cap)
Pin 3 - Output.
Pin 4 - usually connected to + VCC to avoid accidental reset.
Pin 5 - grounded through a capacitor (c3 - 10nF?) to avoid noise problems. (This is the decoupling cap?).
Pin 6 - (threshold) is shorted to pin 7 - both are connected to ground via C6 (10nF cap).
Pin 7 - connected to the pin 6 & the discharge capacitor (not shown in the above schemo) - C6
C6's discharge time determines the pulse width.
Pin 8 - connected to the supply VCC.
The output of the 555-Monostable Multivibrator/oneshot remains low until a trigger pulse is applied to pin 2.
It's probably a good idea to install the headers for these ICs along with the other 3 ICs and power connector first.
The other integrated circuits used in this build are two TL072s & one TL074.
The TL07x series are pretty common Op Amps that you will often find in synthesizers.
The TL 072 is a low noise JFET input Op Amp .....commonly used in filters & audio preamps.
The TL074 is a quad Op Amp.
Each of these 4 operational amplifiers incorporates well matched, high-voltage JFET and bipolar transistors. Each op amp has 1 output & 2 inputs (inverting & non-inverting). Voltage is on pins 4 & 11.
But before I install all these, I'll install the resistors, then caps & trannies
The easy ones first.
10uF electro caps (x7), 1nF (x10) & 10nF polyesters (x5).
Now it's time to install the 'cp' caps & decoupling caps.
The cp caps & trannies form VC resistors that control the pulse width of the signal from each 555. Andrew has suggested starting with 10nF caps and then experimenting with different values.
Next the decoupling capacitors. As their name implies, they decouple or separate one part of a circuit from another. 555 ICs can be very noisy and these caps absorb some of the noise, reducing the effect one part has on another. There are 15 of these caps.
Andrew has suggested values between 47nF & 100nf. He says that the exact value won't make any difference. Use whatever fits and you have a lot of. "The main point is the 555s have plenty of decoupling, hence the 10uF as they virtually short +V to gnd as they do their thing".
Next, the transistors. These include ten BC 547 & ten BC557.
The BC 547 is a NPN transistor.
The BC 557 is a PNP. The cp capacitors and the transistors form VC resistors that control the pulse width of the signal from each 555.
Install the pots:
And the jacks.
Initial jack connections: Blue = Ground, Black = Out, Brown = In.
Test to see how it sounds as a filter by plugging in a sound source (eg: your Dual VCO).
Now connect the rest of the jacks.
Wow ... looks and sounds great !!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Useful Links:
1. NLC filter panel
2. NLC notes (5 more)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
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